There is no mistaking the precocious maturity of Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw. Whether in his calm focus on the mound or in the clubhouse, he is beyond his 23 years. He appears remarkably centered and at peace with himself, recognizing where he is personally and professionally.

Kershaw is a devout Christian, though unlike Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, he is hardly in your face about it. Kershaw and Tebow are two highly famous young professional athletes who outwardly approach their strong faith in markedly different ways.

If there is a showy, look-at-me aspect to Tebow and his kneeling in prayer on the football field and near zeal off it, Kershaw is more understated in his approach, if no less sincere.

I’ve never heard him bring up God in postgame interviews or seen him point to the sky after a big strikeout. Yet, I still have a clear understanding of his commitment.

"I think everybody has different approaches to it," Kershaw said. "For me, everything I do has a purpose to it beyond what’s in this lifetime. At the same time, on the field I have a job to do and that’s what I’m focused on.

"I guess you could say I’m a little more understated than Tim is. Not to say either one is wrong, that’s just kind of my personality a little bit."

Oh, you may be devout, young Kershaw, but you're no Tebow! NO TEBOW! Go ahead and win all the Cy Young Awards you want, or make charitable pilgrimages to Zambia. The fact remains, you're no Tebow. And Dilbeck is going to make that comparison abundantly clear.

Here is a story about Clayton Kershaw. He is a good pitcher, and he likes Jesus, but beyond that he doesn't have much in common with Tim Tebow. In fact, he's nothing like Tim Tebow. They play different sports and haven't met. Still: Tebow in the headline! Tebow everywhere. What do you have to say about Tebow, Clayton? That's fascinating. Here are some more questions about Tebow. Please answer them for us. OhbythewayhowaboutheDodgersthisyear? Never mind: what do you think of Tebow?

photo of Tebow by Jim Rogash / Getty Images; photo of non-Tebow by Jeff Gross (also of Getty Images, which owns other photos of Tebow by the way)